Collection of ENEA technology and expertise
Portable THz imaging scanner for frescoes and mural paintings, for the determination of subsuperficial features and defects
THz radiation is able to penetrate deep into dielectric materials, thus allowing a non-invasive investigation of art objects such as frescoes, wall paintings and mosaics. It is also extremely sensitive to the presence of water, thus allowing the identification of any infiltrations and damage resulting from humidity.
Application sectors
Problem to solve
Detect the status of a work of art deep beneath the surface, for example to detect detachments in frescoes or paintings hidden under covering layers
Description
The device consists of a 3D scanning system able to produce a 3D THz image of the sample under examination, detecting its characteristics even under the surface. The system makes use of a fixed frequency (97 GHz) solid-state source and of a high-speed three-axis movement system, which allows scanning of a surface of about 30x50 cm2 in about 20-30 minutes. The system is equipped with a laser triangulation system that detects the surface morphology of the sample, compensating for variations related to its imperfect planarity. The device is portable and it was tested "on field" in different situations.
Innovative aspects and advantages
- Higher penetration depth compared to IR radiation
- Non-ionizing radiation, advantage over X-technologies
- Use of phase-sensitive measurement methods, for 3D reconstructions
- Ability of operating on the fundamental mode, while Gyrotrons operate on high-order modes
- High peak power and low average power (non-invasive, non-destructive)
- Higher powers compered to conventional electronic and optical sources (except Gyrotrons)
Technological Maturity 4-5
Strengths
- Cost
- Social/economic relevance
- Legal/regulatory content
- Efficiency/productivity/performance
- Innovation
- Lack of technology/solution for the specific task
- Scalability
- Ease of use
- Transferability/mobility
- Processing/feed-back times
Admissible applications
- Detection of biological infestants under mosaic tiles
- Detection of infiltrations and water damage
- Detection of paintings hidden under covering layers
- Detection of subsurface characteristics and/or defects in frescoes and wall paintings
- Subsurface analysis to detect the presence of water in the agrifood field
Research group involved
Revision date
03-06-2025
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